Amex Trendex identifies rising international destinations for first time

More than nine in ten senior business leaders expect business travel to stay steady or increase over the next 12 months, proving its value during an evolving external environment, according to the latest Amex Trendex: Business Travel Edition from American Express.

The business traveler survey was conducted among a sample of 1,005 respondents in the US who are employed full time, traveled by air for work two or more times in the past 12 months and submit their own travel expenses. The business travel decision-maker survey was conducted among a sample of 502 respondents in the US who are employed full-time as business travel decision-makers for companies with 50 or more employees. Both online surveys were live on May 15-23.

For the first time, American Express also identified three international destinations on the rise for business travel: Kumamoto, Japan; Cork, Ireland; and Malmö, Sweden; as well as five domestic US destinations: Richmond, Va.; Columbus, Ohio; Charleston, S.C.; Boise, Idaho; and New Orleans.

Fernando Iraola, general manager, global & US large enterprises, said business travel remains a proven growth driver. More than ever, he said, companies must effectively manage costs and compliance while also meeting employee expectations for a smooth travel experience. “With travel as a continued priority,” said Iraola, “we are seeing ongoing travel and business expansion in cities in the US and around the world, bringing business travel to these destinations and helping their communities flourish.”

The survey also found:

• Business travelers and companies surveyed indicated that growth opportunities are driving business travel, stating that maintaining or getting more time with clients (64%) and new or more business (59%) were the top reasons for business travel to increase or stay the same over the next 12 months.
• This commitment to business travel is based on its proven value with 93% of companies agreeing they can attribute business growth to in-person meetings and events, and 87% of travelers saying their client relationships benefit more from in-person interactions than virtual meetings.
• Travel is not only a business driver, but companies use it to attract and retain talent (80%). Amidst a hybrid work environment, this strategy seems to be working: more than eight-in-ten (84%) travelers consider business travel a perk, with more Gen-Z and Millennials in agreement (88%) than older generations.